Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

She honestly didn't expect the housekeeper to say yes, but the woman just nodded and respectfully opened the door to the guest room next door.

"Ma'am, this way please."

Clara winced a little at the word "ma'am." It was like a constant reminder that she was married now-an identity she still hadn't settled into.

Annoyed, she stepped into the guest room and asked, "Can I have the room at the very end of the hall instead?"

The housekeeper dropped her gaze. "Please, ma'am, don't make things difficult for us."

Clara took a long, steadying breath. Clearly, this guest room was Dylan's line in the sand.

As soon as the housekeeper left, Clara shut the door behind her and headed straight to the bathroom to soak in the tub.

But the longer she stayed in the hot water, the more restless she felt.

When she finally stepped out, her eyes drifted to the walk-in closet. It was packed with clothes in her size-every tag cut off, every shelf and rack filled. Dresses, bags, shoes, jewelry-everything, as if this thirty-square-meter closet had been designed just for her.

She sat on the edge of the bed, feeling numb, staring blankly out the window.

No matter how many times she tried to calm herself, everything still felt unreal, like she was stuck in someone else's life.

She lost track of time. Night had fallen, and through the darkness, she caught the sweep of headlights outside-Dylan was back.

Downstairs, as Dylan came in, someone quickly reported to him,

“Madam had half a bowl of rice and a bowl of soup for dinner. She went upstairs two hours ago and is sleeping in the guest room."

He just muttered an "Mm," steering his wheelchair toward the elevator.

The housekeeper watched him, a little surprised. Mr. Brooks almost never came home drunk, but tonight, he'd clearly had a few too many. Even at work dinners, he usually kept himself in check.

She glanced at Aiden, who was changing his shoes. His voice was serious. "Take good care of-of the lady of the house from now on."

He almost called her "Ms. Clara," but caught himself.

The housekeeper nodded quickly. "Yes, sir."

Aiden had been by Dylan's side for years and could handle just about anything but this time, he honestly didn't know what to do. For once, he just fest helpless. Maybe all they

2do was take things one day at

a time.

Upstairs, Dylan didn't even glance at the guest room. He went straight to his own master bedroom. Why go looking for trouble?

He tucked the two marriage certificates he'd brought home into a hidden

compartment and headed for a shower.

Hot water poured over him, and for a moment, everything felt clearer.noveldrama

Afterward, he stood in front of the mirror, studying his reflection-cheeks flushed from the alcohol, damp hair hanging over his forehead, steam swirling all around.

He wiped at the glass, not wanting to see himself like this. Only when the water droplets started to blur his reflection did he finally feel a little better.

He threw on a bathrobe, tying it loosely at his waist.

On the desk nearby, his laptop was waiting-he still had late-night meetings with the overseas team.

Tiny red "double happiness" stickers were tucked into every corner of the room, a little too festive for his taste. But as his eyes landed on them, his lips curved into a faint, almost reluctant smile.

He sat down at the computer, but his gaze kept drifting to another small red

sticker on the wall-bright, bold, full of celebration.

Honestly? It was kind of cute.

On the other side of the video call, the international execs couldn't help but notice their usually sharp, demanding CEO seemed different tonight-quieter, softer, a little distracted, and not nearly as strict as usual. sŵnovel

When the calls were finally over, Dylan got up and opened his closet.

Inside hung a dress Clara had worn before.

He pulled it down, laid it on the bed, and, without thinking, curled up around it as

he fell asleep.

For the first time in ages, he slept straight through the night.

I guess, he thought, having her close really is the best medicine.